This weekly segment will highlight the best performances of the week in the NFL. Every position and player is eligible, all it requires is a truly epic showing. It’s not always stat driven, or analytics grade driven, though those things help you get on this list.
1. Darian Stewart, S, Denver Broncos: The Broncos were outplayed by the Saints and needed a crazy finish on a blocked extra point to come away with a heroic win. That would have never come into play without Darian Stewart, though. He intercepted Brees twice and recovered a Michael Thomas fumble – accounting for 3 turnovers all by himself. In a 2 point game that pretty much came down to the final play, his impact was enormous.
2. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys: He’s been on this list many times. He might just be a rookie, but he’s a shoe-in for the Pro Bowl. He singlehandedly blew up the Steelers defense with 114 yards rushing, 95 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns.
3. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks: He’s been banged up for most of this year and his movement has been really hampered. You can tell he’s starting to make his way back, though. The most clear evidence was his performance in a marquee matchup against one of the best teams in the NFL. He lit up the Patriots going 25 of 37 for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns.
4. Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans: No one expected a 47 point output by the Titans on the packers. While DeMarco Murray was a huge part of that, the Packers’ inability to cover Walker was even more significant. Walker remains one of the best tight end receiving threats in the league. He had 9 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown.
5. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: He went 37 for 46 for 408 yards and 3 touchdowns. Hard to believe that wasn’t good enough to beat the Cowboys, but Elliott was too good. Big Ben is returning from meniscus surgery and clearly still hampered, it’s truly amazing to see this kind of production from him considering.
Previous entries:
